Wisconsin State Park SystemBackpacking

State parks and forests

The state forests and parks listed below offer trails and sites for backpack (hike-in) camping.

Some campsites can be reserved online or by calling (888) WI PARKS ((888) 947-2757, TTY (800) 274-7275); some are first-come, first-served; others require a permit from the property office. Call the park or forest in which you're interested in camping for details.

** These sites are along the Ice Age Trail. Each site has a Adirondack style shelter and fire ring. Users may also set up tents outside the shelter. Each site can accommodate 10 people. All camping equipment and drinking water must be backpacked in and all refuse packed out. Camping is limited to one night per site.

Nearest backpacking for those living in the Milwaukee or Chicago areas

Overnight hostel and DNR visitor center near the trail

Milwaukee River, Parnell, Greenbush (East Central Wisconsin)

Northern Kettle Moraine State Forest (86f - 90f)

Washington, Fond du Lac, Sheboygan

34

Shelters, reservation required

Reservable campground sites and walk-in campsites at Mauthe Lake

Easier

Landscape formed by interlobate glaciation world famous among geologists

Birthplace of the Ice Age Trail

Multi-day backpacking on the North Country Trail

The North Country National Scenic Trail (NCT) offers premier backpacking opportunities. Including three short temporary road walks of 2, 2.6 and 0.6 miles, there are over 118 miles of continuous trail traversing portions of three counties in Wisconsin from Copper Falls State Park to the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway (about 15 miles southwest of Solon Springs). Below are descriptions of the segments of the trail that offer multi-day backpacking opportunities. For the latest information on trail segments and conditions, to get help finding a shuttle or to acquire maps of the NCT in Wisconsin, contact the North Country Trail Association [exit DNR].

Copper Falls State Park and Mellen segment

The North Country Trail runs several miles through Copper Falls State Park. Visitors can pick up the trail at a number of locations within the park. Part of the NCT coincides with the Doughboys' Nature Trail, where it offers spectacular views of the park's namesake waterfalls. North past the Doughboys' Trail, the NCT offers scenic views of the Bad River and a short spur trail leads to a secluded backpack campsite along the river. This campsite can be reserved online or by phone; (888) WI PARKS ((888) 947-2757, TTY (800) 274-7275). The trail continues southwest from Copper Falls State Park, passing through Mellen (one of only two towns the trail goes through in Wisconsin) before reaching a 2-mile road walk that connects to the beginning of the trail segment through the Chequamegon National Forest. For more information about this segment of the trail, email the NCTA Heritage Chapter.

Chequamegon National Forest segment

The North Country Trail goes through the Washburn and Great Divide districts of the Chequamegon National Forest for about 61 miles in Ashland and Bayfield Counties. Highlights of this stretch include views from the Penokee Mountains, numerous lakes and rivers and two of Wisconsin's federally designated wilderness areas: the Porcupine Lake Wilderness and the Rainbow Lakes Wilderness. There are numerous undesignated backpacking campsites along the trail and two shelters, as well as access to a number of National Forest campgrounds. Maps of the NCT in Wisconsin are available from the North Country Trail Association [exit DNR]. For more information about this segment of the trail, for additional trail maps or for help arranging a shuttle, email the NCTA Chequamegon Chapter.

Brule-St. Croix Area segment

The North Country Trail continues west of the Chequamegon National Forest for an additional 48 miles through a variety of properties including Bayfield and Douglas County Forests, the Brule River State Forest, the Village of Solon Springs and other lands. Highlights of this section include bluffs along the Brule River, the headwaters of the Bois Brule River, the scenic and historic Brule-St. Croix Portage, the pine barrens of Mott's Ravine State Natural Area, the Brule Bog, Lucius Woods County Park and the Douglas County Wildlife Area's extensive prairie/pine barrens. Camping is available at nine designated backpack campsites—the only places where hikers are legally allowed to camp along this stretch of trail. Each campsite includes a water source, fire ring, wilderness style latrine, bench and tent pads. A developed campground is also available in Lucius Woods County Park. For more information about this segment of the trail, for additional trail maps or for help arranging a shuttle, email the NCTA Brule-St. Croix Chapter.